4-Way Test - Hardness, Iron, pH & Alkalinity

Check your drinking, tap or other water for its hardness, presence of Total Iron, pH and
Alkalinity

This 4-way test enables user to find out if the sample water contains iron (both ferrous and ferric). It also checks for the hardness,
pH and Alkalinity of the water.

Iron on its own is generally not harmful to health. It does cause stain to machinery, sink and other fixtures as well as causing scale
build-up in plumbing and equipment. This decreases their efficiency and in time total blockage and use. The presence of iron may suggest
the presence of iron bacteria and they may cause other organisms to grow in the water.

Again hardness of water is not harmful to health but where the level of hardness is high, it generally indicate the presence of iron.
Water hardness is the traditional measure of of the capacity of water to react with soap, hard water require a considerable amount of
soap to produce a lather. Hard water normally produces a noticeable amount of precipitate in containers including "bathroom ring."

Water containing calcium carbonate:

below 60mg/L is considered as soft

60 - 120mg/L is considered as moderately hard

120 - 180mg/L is considered as hard

above 180mg/L is considered very hard

WHO guidelines - WHO/HSE/WSH10.01/10/Rev/1

pH is a measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 - 14, with 7 being neutral. pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity,
whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base. pH is really a measure of the relative amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in the
water. A water with a pH >8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.
pH of commone liquids are:

Vinegar - 3.0

Wine - 2.8 to 3.8

Beer - 4.0 to 5.0

Milk - 6.3 to 6.6

Seawater - 8.3

Generally the pH of the water is also a measure of the alkalinity of the water too.

Store the 4-way test foil in a cool dry place and use at room temperature (16°C – 28°C or 60°F – 85°F).

The 4-way test contains a foil with 2 strips for testing of the above (see image below).

The above information is provided for general
educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace competent
health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
You are urged to seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any
illness or disease.
Health Canada and the FDA (USA) have not evaluated these
statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.